Within my department, I encourage and assist my colleagues in their work. In fall 2010, I sat in Ray Pettit’s CS 115 class almost every day, observing his teaching, providing feedback to him and assisting students in their work. In fall 2010 and fall 2011, I sat in Dwayne Towell’s CS 111 class, teaching occasionally and often assisting students in their work. In spring 2014, I visited two of Alfa Nyandoro’s courses (IT 221, CS 220) to provide evaluative feedback for him. Since I began serving as director for SITC, I have tried to visit a class for each of the faculty members in my department – not to evaluate or judge their teaching, but to learn more about their interests and style. Correspondingly, I have invited colleagues to sit in my classes to observe my teaching and provide constructive feedback to help me improve. I have occasionally taught or administered exams in colleagues’ courses as needed, typically when faculty were sick or traveling.
In fall 2010, James Prather began teaching as an adjunct in my department. I remembered well the challenges and stress of my first year teaching, so I tried to encourage and mentor James. He continued as an adjunct for several years, then in fall 2013 accepted a full-time instructor position in my department and (after completing his Ph.D. in spring 2018) will this year begin a position as assistant professor in the department.
I enjoy playing games at lunch with faculty from my department and also some faculty from the business departments (who share our building). I enjoy this opportunity to interact with my colleagues, away from the normal pressures of our work. An understood but unspoken rule prevents most work-related questions during these times; instead we simply play together.
I often play racquetball or disc golf with my colleagues and friends, and I make efforts to draw students into these pursuits. I played one year on an intramural volleyball team comprised equally of computer science faculty and students.